This month, SoupGrant is featuring two fantastic local, #LoveLansing projects that you won’t want to miss!

The first is Go Green Trikes, a very unique start-up here in Lansing that offers a green alternative for local deliveries.

If GGT wins the July SoupGrant, they will use the money “to wholly or partially offset delivery costs so non-profits can take advantage of our services. So far, the Homeless Angels and Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council have both expressed interest. Others that we plan to invite once a fund is established are the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing, the Allen Neighborhood Center, and the Greater Lansing Food Bank.”

Why is this project important?

Go Green Trikes, LLC operates under a “triple bottom line”. While we’re in business to make a profit, people and the planet are important to us as well. We’ve noticed that several local non-profits LOVE the idea of utilizing greener transport alternatives, it may be an undue hardship for them to do so.

The second is the S.T.A.R.S. Dance Company, a group of insanely talented girls who will be traveling to NY/NJ in August for a national dance competition.

Money raised at SoupGrant will be used to help offset travel costs for the dance team. The cost to send these 25 girls is $25,000 – you can check out more info on the team and their trip on their fundraising page!

Why is this project important?

We created our S.T.A.R.S. Dance Company (SDC) to allow our students the chance to compete, travel, take master classes and become accustomed to the professional dance world. Many of our dancers come from at risk neighborhoods and from homes where they would not be able to afford competitive dance training (almost 75% of our students receive financial assistance to participate).

Join us Thursday night to rally support around these two remarkable organizations that are making Lansing great.

Never been to a SoupGrant before? We raise money for community organizations one soup dinner at a time. The soup is free, homemade, and usually vegetarian or vegan. As we gather together to share a meal, we hear from members of the community who share projects and ideas that they are working on. Attendees donate $5 at the door for a vote. After hearing the presentations and having the opportunity to ask questions, you get to vote for the project of your choice. The winner takes home the SoupGrant to kickstart their work.

In the past, winners have taken home anywhere from $65 to $259. The more people you help bring out, the more money we can give to these great causes!

So come hungry – and don’t forget a bowl, spoon, and $5 to support the project of your choice.